How Hearing and Association of Sādhu and Śāstra Lead to Becoming Liberated
Liberation from the cycle of birth and death is not achieved by independent mental speculation or gymnastic yoga. It is a gift that is received through contact with the divine energy. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that just as a man bound by ropes cannot untie himself but requires the help of a free person, a conditioned soul requires the association of a sādhu (saintly person) and the guidance of śāstra (scripture) to become liberated. This article explores the vital role of transcendental association and hearing in the process of deliverance.
Necessity of Sādhu-saṅga
In the material world, we are constantly associating with the modes of nature, which bind us further to ignorance. To break this cycle, one must change their association. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that finding a genuine saintly person in the modern age is extremely difficult. For this reason, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was founded—to create a sanctuary where people can associate with devotees and become free from material contamination.
- At the present moment it is very difficult to find out the association of sadhu. Therefore our teeny effort is, this Krsna consiousness movement, to create an association of the sadhus so people may take advantage of this association, and then his life becomes liberated.
- It is very difficult to find a sadhu for association. We have therefore started this Krsna consciousness movement to create an association of sadhus so that people may take advantage and become liberated. There is no other purpose for this society.
- Instead of thinking, "Unless I have a drink, I will go mad," one should think, "Unless I associate with a sadhu, I will go mad." When we can think in this way, we will become liberated.
Process of Hearing (Śravaṇam)
Association manifests primarily through sound. By hearing the Vedic conclusions from a realized soul or reading transcendental literatures, the mind is cleansed of misconceptions. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this process of śravaṇam is the first step in devotional service. Even if one is situated in a conditional state, simply lending their ear to the message of Kṛṣṇa guarantees that they will eventually become liberated.
- Reading or hearing of transcendental literatures helps one become liberated even in the conditional state of material existence.
- Any person, if he is fortunate enough to hear these teachings (of Bhagavad-gita) from Krsna or from His bona fide spiritual representative, is sure to become a liberated person and get out of the darkness of ignorance.
- We must engage in the nine processes of devotional service, the first of which is hearing (sravana). Then, under the direction of the spiritual master and the sastras, one can immediately become a liberated person.
Contact with a Pure Devotee
The turning point in the life of a living entity occurs when they come in contact with a pure devotee. This meeting is not an accident but the result of the accumulation of pious activities over many lifetimes. When a soul, wandering through the universe in various species, finally meets a representative of the Lord, the path to the spiritual world opens up immediately.
- While traveling in this material world through different species of life, a living entity may progress toward liberation. But if he comes in contact with a pure devotee, he becomes liberated from the clutches of material energy and becomes a devotee.
- If someone is able, by chance, to see face to face a great saintly person like Narada, who is always serene and merciful to everyone, then immediately that conditioned soul becomes liberated.
- When such a person comes in contact with a pure devotee, he can actually become liberated from material bondage and engage in the Lord’s service.
Conclusion
The path of liberation is paved with the mercy of the Lord's devotees. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, we cannot trust our own minds or strength to overcome the formidable energy of māyā. Instead, we must seek the shelter of those who are already free. By associating with the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness, hearing the message of the Bhagavad-gītā, and following the instructions of the spiritual master, anyone can easily cross the ocean of material existence and attain the supreme destination.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Becoming Liberated. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.